The Order of Saint Augustine, a Catholic community dedicated to a specific mission and spirituality, has been in the spotlight in recent days due to the election of Robert Prevost as Pope, thus becoming the first pontiff from the United States in the 2,000 years of Catholic Church history.
This religious order has a notable presence in nearly 50 countries and is governed by contemplative spirituality, communal life, and service to others as fundamental pillars. Its ethos, which dates back to the 5th century with Saint Augustine of Hippo, emphasizes the importance of living in harmony, maintaining unity on the path to God.
Unlike diocesan priests, members of religious orders can be assigned to different parts of the world to fulfill their pastoral work. In this sense, Pope Leo XIV, as Robert Prevost has chosen to call himself, has expressed his commitment to a clergy close to the people, as opposed to a 'managerial' or 'administrative' figure.
Prevost, 69 years old and former leader of the Order of Saint Augustine, is known for his advocacy of principles that align with those of Pope Francis, who also promotes a more inclusive Church that is close to the faithful. It is worth mentioning that the last pope to come from a religious order was Gregory XVI, a Camaldolese monk who held the office from 1831 to 1846.
